NASM-SR - India’s 1st indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship missile

 

1. In February 2025, the Naval Anti-Ship Missile - Short Range (NASM-SR) underwent successful flight trials from an Indian Naval Sea King helicopter at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
2. The trial validated its Man-in-Loop capability, sea-skimming mode, and precision strike effectiveness against ship targets.
3. It is India’s 1^st indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship missile, designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capabilities.
4. Developed by the Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO), NASM-SR is highly precise, features advanced targeting technology, and is capable of in-flight retargeting.   
    

Key Features of NASM-SR
 

1. Man-in-Loop Capability: Allows real-time human intervention during flight for retargeting.

1. High-bandwidth two-way datalink enables continuous communication with the pilot.
2. Transmits live seeker images, enabling pilots to redirect the missile to a more strategic target.

2. Advanced Targeting System

1. Bearing-Only Lock-On Mode: Missile is launched towards an approximate target area before locking onto a specific enemy ship.
2. Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker:
   • Enables terminal guidance for precision strikes.
   • Transmits real-time images to the pilot for in-flight decision-making.
3. Sea-Skimming Mode: The missile flies low over the sea surface, avoiding enemy radar detection.
4. Pinpoint Accuracy: Demonstrated in trials by striking a small ship target with high precision.

3. Navigation & Control

1. Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) for accurate mid-course guidance.
2. Electro-Mechanical Actuators & Jet Vane Control for superior manoeuvrability.
3. Radio Altimeter ensures low-altitude terrain-following flight for stealth operations.

4. Propulsion & Warhead System

1. Uses solid propulsion technology for extended range and endurance.
2. Equipped with an in-line ejectable booster and long-burn sustainer, ensuring stable flight.
3. Features a high-impact warhead, maximizing damage to enemy ships.
4. Reliable power system ensures seamless coordination of missile sub-systems.
    

 

Development & Production
 

1. NASM-SR has been developed by various DRDO laboratories, including:

1. Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – Missile system integration.
2. Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) – Propulsion and aerodynamic design.
3. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) – Warhead and explosive systems.
4. Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) – Warhead testing and impact analysis.

2. The missile is being produced with the help of Development cum Production Partners (DCPPs), MSMEs, start-ups, and other industrial partners, ensuring self-reliance in defense technology.

 

Also Read
FREE NIOS Books	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Monthly Magazine	Previous Year Interview Questions
Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims	UPSC Test Series
ENSURE IAS NOTES	Our Booklist